Freshman Teddy Mauze stepped up in the biggest game of the year for the Cate boys soccer team.
Mauze broke a scoreless tie with a goal in the 70th minute and added another goal a few minutes later to lead the Rams to a 2-0 Condor League win at Thacher on Wednesday.
Cate coach David Mochel said Thacher’s physical play made it tougher for his team to find a rhythm.
“We knew exactly what to do coming of the huddle at halftime,” Mochel said. “We moved to free balls aggressively and that helped us create many more opportunities.”
The Rams finally converted in the 70th minute when Avery Schwartz put a ball to Mauze, who slid it by the goalie from close range.
Sophomore Leighton Brillo-Sonnino set up the second goal, sending a ball across that was side volleyed into the upper corner by Mauze.
The midfield had a strong second half and the defense of Luke Shover, Joshua Yaro, Michael Hassman, Jackson Mauze and Mackie Greason worked to successfully keep goalkeeper Blake Wands’ shutout streak alive at seven games (nine on the season), said Mochel.
With a record of 13-0 overall, Cate has yet to allow a goal in eight league victories.
“This was a good test for the Rams and we found some things we can certainly work on,” said Mochel.